Safe Toys & Gifts Month

When it comes to toys and gifts, it is important to consider the safety and age range of the toys. December has been declared as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. Everyone is encouraged to give gifts that suit the age and individual skills and abilities of the child who will receive it, especially for infants and children under age three.

This holiday season (and beyond), please consider the following guidelines for choosing safe toys for all ages:

• Inspect all toys before purchasing. Avoid those that shoot or include parts that fly off. The toy should have no sharp edges or points and should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed, or being pulled apart easily.
• When purchasing toys for children with special needs try to:
  • Choose toys that may appeal to different senses such as sound, movement, and texture
  • Consider interactive toys to allow the child to play with others
  • Think about the size of the toy and the position a child would need to be in to play with it
• Be diligent about inspecting toys your child has received. Check them for age, skill level, and developmental appropriateness before allowing them to be played with.
• Look for labels that assure you the toys have passed a safety inspection – “ATSM” means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
• Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (give a helmet with the skateboard).
• Do not give toys with small parts (including magnets and “button” batteries which can cause serious issues if ingested) to young children as they tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If the piece can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not appropriate for kids under age three.
• Do not give toys with ropes and cords or heating elements.
• Do not give crayons and markers unless they are labeled “nontoxic.”

For the full article with additional useful links, visit the American Public Health Association here.